Modelling the response of larch growth to age,density,and elevation and the implications for multifunctional management in northwest China

Plantations of Rupprecht's larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii)have been widely established in the drylands of northwest and north China under traditional fastgrowing plantation management strategies.These strategies and the long-term logging ban have led to over-populated stands with lower structural and functional stability,less economic benefit and higher water consumption.To guide the sustainable management of larch plantations,field surveys and historical data compilation were undertaken in the Liupan Mountains of northwest China.The main influencing factors(stand structure and site condition)and their effects on mean tree height,mean DBH and timber volumes were determined based on up-boundary line analysis.Tree growth models coupling the effects of tree age,stand density,and elevation were established.Both height and DBH markedly increased initially and then slowly with tree age,decreased with stand density,and showed unimodal change with elevation.The coupled growth models accounted for72-78%of the variations in tree height,DBH and timber growth.Recommendations for future plantation management are:(1)prolong the rotation to at least 60 years to produce large-diameter,high-quality timber and maintain greater carbon stocks;(2)zone the target functions of stands by elevation;and,(3)reduce stand density for balanced supply of multiple ecosystem services.The growth models developed can predict growth response of larch plantations to density alteration under given ages and elevations,and assist the transformation from traditional management for maximum timber production to site-specific and multifunctional management with longer rotations and moderate tree density.

Pure and Mixed Plantations of <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i>and <i>Cupressus lusitanica</i>: Their Growth Interactions and Effect on Diversity and Density of Undergrowth Woody Plants in Relation to Light

Published results on the growth interactions of non-nitrogen fixing mixed plantations species, and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants are scant. This paper addresses the growth interactions of pure and mixed plantations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Cupressus lusitanica and their impact on the regeneration of woody plants in relation with light. Data on the regenerated woody plants, individual characteristics of the plantation species and light reaching under the canopies were collected using sample plots (n = 4) with a size of 20 m × 20 m for each plantation type. The result showed that, E. camaldulensis was suppressing the growth of C. lusitanica while its growth was favored when it was mixed with C. lusitanica (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the pure and mixed plantations in their diversity and density of undergrowth woody plants (p > 0.05). Density of plantation trees were found not having a significant relationship with diversity of species (p = 0.801). There was a significant but not direct relationship between light reached in the understory of the canopies and diversity of species in the plantations (p = 0.027). Overall, the result indicated that both the pure and the mixed plantations were favoring the recruitment of woody plants.

Carbon Stock of Larch Plantations and Its Comparison with an Old-growth Forest in Northeast China

The overall goal of this study was to understand carbon(C) stock dynamics in four different-aged Japanese larch(Larix kaempferi) plantations in Northeast China that were established after clear-cutting old-growth Korean pine deciduous forests. Four Japanese larch plantations which were at 10, 15, 21, and 35 years old and an old-growth Korean pine deciduous forest which was 300 years old in Northeast China were selected and sampled. We compared the C pools of biomass(tree, shrub and herb), litterfall(LF), and soil organic carbon(SOC) among them. The biomass C stock of larch plantation at 10, 15, 21, and 35 years old was 26.8, 37.9, 63.6, and 83.2 Mg/ha, respectively, while the biomass C stock of the old-growth Korean pine deciduous forest was 175.1 Mg/ha. The SOC stock of these larch plantations was 172.1, 169.7, 140.3, and 136.2 Mg/ha respectively, and SOC stock of 170.4 Mg/ha in the control of old-growth forest. The biomass C stock increased with stand age of larch plantations, whereas SOC stock decreased with age, and C stock of LF did not change significantly(P > 0.05). The increase of biomass C offset the decline of SOC stock with age, making total carbon stock(TCS) of larch plantations stable from stand ages of 10–35 years. The TCS in larch plantations was much smaller than that in the old-growth forest, suggesting that the conversion of old-growth forests to young larch plantations releases substantial C into the atmosphere.

Simulation of the growth ring density of Larix olgensis plantation wood with the ARMA model

Because growth ring data have temporal features, time series analysis can be used to simulate and reveal changes in the life of a tree and contribute to plantation management. In this study, the autoregressive(AR) and moving average modeling method was used to simulate the time series for growth ring density in a larch plantation with different initial planting densities. We adopted the Box–Jenkins method for the modeling, which was initially based on an intuitive analysis of sequence graphs followed by the augmented Dickey–Fuller stationarity test. The order p and q of the ARMA(p, q) model was determined based on the autocorrelation and partial correlation coefficient figure truncated on the respective order.Through the residual judgment, the model AR(2) was only fitted to the larch growth ring density series for the plantation with the 1.5 9 2.0 m^2 initial planting density.Because the residuals series for the other three series was not shown as a white noise sequence, the modeling was rerun. Larch wood from the initial planting density of2.0 9 2.0 m^2 was modeled by ARMA(2, 1), and ARMA((1, 5), 3) fitted to the 2.5 9 2.5 m^2 initial planting density,and the 3.0 9 3.0 m^2 was modeled by AR(1, 2, 5).Although the ARMA modeling can simulate the change in growth ring density, data for the different growth ring time series were described by different models. Thus, time series modeling can be suitable for growth ring data analysis, revealing the time domain and frequency domain of growth ring data.

Effects of the second-generation larch plantations onsoil fertility and tree growth

In order to realize the effect of second generation of larch plantations on soil fertility and tree growth and to provide the theoretical base and the reasonable management measures, the growth of larch plantations for different generations at different soil conditions were inventoried and compared. The relationship between soil nutrition and tree growth of the second-generation larch plantations was analyzed. Comparing with the first generation, the second generation of larch did not present acidation phenomenon on the dark brown soil. With respect to the organic matter, rapidly available K and N, the values of the second-generation larch is close to that of first generation at later time. Platform-preparation is good measures for improving soil conditions

STUDY ON THE TREE GROWTH, ARCHITECTURE AND STAND STRUCTURE OF KOREAN PINE PLANTATION

The artificial pure and mixed Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forests were investigated at Dailing Forestry Bureau in Xiaoxing'an mountains from 1990 to 1992. Depending on the distance between the samplings of Korean pine and their neighbor trees, the neighbor tree height, the size of neighbor tree canopy, and dimension of neighbor tree. The forest structure was classified into three types: (1) prowth of a tree in the light (open), (2) Growth of a tree in the canopy gap (Gap), (3)Growth of a tree under broad-leaved tree canopy. The frequeney, height, and age of stem divergence of Korean pine tree were investigated by sampling trees. The temporal and spatial model of the tree growth was applied on basis of the height of stem divergence, ratio of height and DBH, and character of tree stem.The morphology and growth character of Korean pine trees during different development stage were forecasted.

Individual-tree diameter growth model for Korean pine plantations based on optimized interpolation of meteorological variables

To explore the influence of meteorological variables on the growth of Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis Sieb.et Zucc.) plantations and provide a scientific reference for the production and management of Korean pine,three approaches to interpolate meteorological variables during the growing season(i.e.,May-September) were compared in Heilongjiang Province,China.Optimized meteorological variable interpolation results were then combined with stand and individual tree variables,based on data from 56 sample plots and 2886 sample trees from Korean pine plantations in two regions of the province to develop an individualtree diameter growth model(Model I) and an individualtree diameter growth model with meteorological variables(Model Ⅱ) using a stepwise regression method.Moreover,an individual-tree diameter growth model with regional effects(Model Ⅲ) was developed using dummy variables in the regression,and the significance of introducing these dummy variables was verified with an F-test statistical analysis.The models were validated using an independent data set,and the predictive performance of the three models was assessed via the adjusted coefficient of determination(R_(a)^(2)) and root mean square error(RMSE).The results suggest that the growth increment in tree diameter of Korean pine plantations was significantly correlated with the natural logarithm of initial diameter(ln D),stand basal area(BAS),logarithmic deformation of the stand density index(ln SDI),ratio of basal area of trees larger than the subject tree to their initial diameter at breast height(DBH)(BAL/D),and the maximum growingseason precipitation(Pgmax).The individual-tree diameter growth models of Korean pine plantations developed in this study will provide a good basis for estimating and predicting growth increments of Korean pine forests over larger areas.

Application of Grey System Theory to tree growth prediction

Based on Grey System theory, tree growth prediction models are developed by using 202 temporary plots and 206 stem analysis trees of Dahurian larch (Larix gemlinii Rupr) in 10 forestry bureaus of Yakeshi Forestry Administrative Bureau in Daxing’an Mountains of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. By residual and posterior tests, their precisions are qualified. With several data, tree growth can be predicted using Grey System models. For DBH and volume, the fitting results of Grey System models are better than that of statistical models.

Growth performance of Avicennia officinalis L. and the effect of spacing on growth and yield of trees planted in the Western coastal belt of Bangladesh

A trial ofAvicennia officinalis L. with five different spacings was conducted in the newly accreted lands along the western coastline （Patuakhali district） of Bangladesh since 1993 to assess growth perform- ance and the effect of spacing on tree growth. Data on tree density, height, diameter, bole height, crown diameter were recorded and ana- lyzed when the stand was 19 years old. Mean height ranged from 12.89-13.52 m and diameter at breast height （dbh） from 26.57-32.16 cm in plots of different spacings. The mean annual height increment ranged from 0,67-0.71 m, mean annual diameter increment from 1.40-1.69 cm and wood volume from 6.02-10.04 m3.ha＇l.al in different treatments. Significantly greater diameter （32.16 cm） and wood volume （10.04 m3.hal.a-1） were obtained with wider （2.13 m × 2.13 m） spacing than with closer spacings. But tree growth was unaffected by other spacings. Growth data were also recorded from other .4. officinalis plantations raised by Forest Department （FD） on different islands in Patuakhali and Bhola districts of Bangladesh. At these sites, mean annual height incre- ment ranged from 0.33-0.62 m, mean annual diameter increment from 0.72-1,37 cm and wood volume from 1.55-5.73 m3·ha-1·a·-1. The growth performance of A. offindicated that the newly aecreted lands along the western shoreline may be suitable for raising Avicennia planta- tions for the enrichment of coastal vegetation.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOME FORESTRY TABLES FOR DAHURIAN LARCH PLANTATIONS

Several growth models were selected to fit data of dahurian larch plantations using nonlinear regression analysis. The best models were used to construct the site index table' the 2-way volume table and the growth process table. The Chapman-Richards equation is the best model used as the guide curve to form the site index table for dahurian larch plantations.

Fire alters the availability of soil nutrients and accelerates growth of Eucalyptus grandis in Zambia

Fire has been used to prepare land during tree plantation establishment for many years but uncertainty about how ecosystems respond to prescribed burning makes it difficult to predict the effects of fire on soil nutrients.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of burning accumulated forest residues(slash)on soil chemical properties and how trees respond.We analyzed 40 burned and unburned sites and compared growth of Eucalyptus grandis W.Hill ex Maiden between sites.Soil pH increased by 39%after fire,suggesting reduced soil acidity and increased liming.Total nitrogen increased by 100%;other nutrients(Ca^2+,Mg^2+and K^+)also increased.Increase in nutrients had a significant effect on the growth of E.grandis;larger and taller trees were associated more with burned than unburned sites.This study provides evidence that burning accumulated slash during land preparation prior to plantation establishment alters soil nutrient status and enhances the growth of E.grandis.

Growth and yield models for Dahurian larch plantations

Several equations were selected using nonlinear regression analysis for setting up growth and yield modehe of Dahurian larch (Laris gmelinii Rupr.) plantations. Data of 405 stem analysis trees were collected from 336 temporary plots throughout the Daxing’an Mountains. Results showed that the Richards equation was the best model for estimating tree height, stand mean height and stand dominant height by age, the Power equation was the fdiest model for predicting tree volume by DBH and tree height, and the Logarithmic stand vofume equation was good for predicting stand volume from age, mean height. basal area and other stand variables. These models can be used to construct volume tabIes, site index table and other forestry tables for Dahurian ghantations.

Effects of competition on growth of Amur linden plantation

Competition is the common ecological phenomenon that exists in a stand after canopy closure. The effect of competition on DBH, height, crown diameter and crown area of individual amur linden trees was examined. We used two plots data, from amur linden (Tilia amurensis) plantation, 14 years old, in Liaoning province, to analyze the correlations among DBH, total height, crown diameer and crown area, and used the size-ratio of competiting tree DBHs to subject tree DBH to calculate distance-dependent competition index. The results show that DBH has the largest variation comparing with standard deviations and coeficeints. DBH and crown factors have higher correlations. Competition index is an important factor in tree growth. The best fitting models are exponent, for Cl vs height and Cl vs crown factors, and power, for CI vs DBH. The more closed correlation model is CI vs DBH (R^2=0.7028), which performed 16.32%-18.86% better than other models. These reflect that DBH is an irnportant indicator to display stand competition for amur linden.

Below-ground growth characteristics of 13-year-old Pinus densiflora on different contour conditions in a post-fire plantation in Samcheuk,Korea

We estimated the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions by comparing and analyzing the vertical and horizontal distributions of below-ground roots on each contour. The main roots at the south-facing slope (SS) developed in a long and straight form, and those on the north-facing slope (NS) in a twisted form. The side roots developed more than the main roots on the Ridge. The depth of taproots decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The roots on the SS developed in a pile-form root structure whereas those in the Ridge and NS developed concentrically near the root collar. The amount of root development decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The ratio of fine roots from the whole-root development decreased in the following order: Ridge > SS > NS. These results can guide considerations of growth differences according to the planting contour conditions for future establishment of P. densiflora artificial plantations.

GROWTH AND YIELD MODELS FOR DAHURIAN LARCH PLANTATIONS

Growth and yield models were developed for individual tress and stands based on 336 temporary plots with 405 stem analysis trees of dahurian larch ( Larix gmelinii( Rupr. )Rupr.) plantations throughout Daxing'anling mountains. Several equations were selected using nonlinear regression analysis. Results showed that the Richards equation was the best model for estimating tree height, stand mean height and stand dominant height from age; The Power equation was the best model for prediction tree volume from DBH and tree height; The logarithmic stand volume equation was good for predicting stand volume from age, mean height, basal area and other stand variables. These models can be used to construct the volume table, the site index table and other forestry tables for dahurian larch plantations.

Growth Index Measurement and Family Type Classification of Acacia mearnsii Plantation

Growth indexes of 47 7-year-old progeny forests of Acacia mearnsii in Huangmian forest farm were measured. A. mearnsii plantation was managed for producing both tannin and timber, and considering the tannin yield and timber volume growth index, the family types fall into superior family type(the superior type), to-be superior type(the medium type), and preliminarily eliminated type(the elimination type). Eight superior families can be used for production, namely No.169, No.114, No.177, No.32, No.3, No.145, No.158 and No.134.

Biomass growth characteristics of 13-year-old Pinus densiflora S.et Z.in a post-fire plantation on different contour conditions in Samcheuk,Korea

We used preliminary data to estimate the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions. We compared the growth of P. densiflora on a south-facing slope(Ssth), north-facing slope(Snth) and ridge area(Ridge), using 7 trees selected from each stand aspect. The tree height, diameter and growth volume were measured and the dry weight of each plant part were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the total dry weight was highest on Ssth(5992.3 g), followed by Snth(4833.2 g) and lowest on Ridge(3160.1 g). The height growth was highest on Snth(285.8 cm), followed by Ssth(274.5 cm) and lowest on Ridge(211.5 cm). The diameter growth was greatest on Ssth(7.37 cm), followed by Snth(7.10 cm) and lowest on Ridge(5.72 cm). The volume growth was highest on Ssth(4257.7 cm3), followed by Snth(3750.7 cm3) and lowest on Ridge(2093.7 cm3). Therefore, we should consider and include the concept of slope orientation together with differences in habitat environments in afforestation projects when creating artificial forests with P. densiflora. These study results can serve as important preliminary data for future establishment of artificial forest of P. densiflora in a post-fire plantation.

造林密度对楠木幼龄林生长、土壤理化性质与酶活性的影响

探究造林密度对楠木人工林早期林木生长、土壤理化性质及酶活性的影响,为楠木人工林地力维持和可持续经营提供理论依据,以3种(D1:667株/hm^(2)、D2:833株/hm^(2)和D3:1111株/hm^(2))不同造林密度的6年生楠木人工林为研究对象,调查林木树高、胸径等生长性状,测定不同土层(0<~10、10<~20和20<~30 cm)土壤理化性质及酶活性,分析楠木人工林树木生长、土壤理化性质和酶活性对造林密度的早期响应。结果表明:随造林密度的增加,楠木人工林平均胸径、材积和树冠投影面积均随造林密度的增加逐渐降低,其中D1密度林分显著高于D2和D3密度林分,表明相对低的造林密度更利于楠木人工林材积的积累。造林密度对土壤硝态氮具有显著影响(P<0.01),造林密度、土层深度均对土壤pH、全氮具有显著影响(P<0.01)。楠木人工林土壤呈弱碱性,同一土层,随着林分密度增加,土壤pH、含水率呈降低趋势,而土壤有机碳含量则呈逐渐升高的趋势。随着土层深度的增加,土壤全氮、硝态氮、铵态氮、全磷含量下降,表明楠木人工林土壤养分具有明显的“表聚”现象;同一土层中,D1密度楠木人工林脲酶、蔗糖酶活性最强,蔗糖酶活性随着造林密度的增加而降低;对树木生长、土壤质量的密度效应分别进行综合分析发现,楠木人工林树木生长和土壤质量综合指数分别以D1和D2密度林分最大,分别为0.61和0.56,说明相对较低的造林密度对于树木生长以及土壤质量改善有一定作用。因此,建议对6年生楠木人工林保留密度应不高于833株/hm^(2),更有利于改善土壤质量和促进树木的生长。

中龄林修枝对杉木林生长和材种结构的影响

为培育杉木大径级无节柱材,探讨修枝对杉木人工林生长和材种结构的影响,选择17年生中龄林,设置修枝与不修枝处理试验,20 a后调查中龄林修枝处理对杉木人工林生长和材种结构影响。结果表明:修枝后的前两年,修枝处理显著提高了杉木人工林的胸径年生长量(P<0.05),对树高、林分蓄积量年生长量没有显著影响,随后修枝处理对杉木人工林生长的影响逐渐减弱。中龄林修枝处理20 a对杉木人工林的胸径、树高、林分蓄积量和总生物量均没有显著影响,但显著提高了杉木人工林干生物量分配比例(P<0.05),显著降低了叶生物量分配比例(P<0.05)。中龄林修枝处理20 a显著提高了杉木人工林大径材出材率(P<0.05),有利于杉木人工林大径无节柱材培育。

不同模式桉树混交林的生长效应分析

为探索伴生树种早期对桉树生长的影响,以桉树×红椎、桉树×火力楠、桉树×火力楠×黑木相思、桉树×黑木相思4种混交林为研究对象,对其林木生长量及桉树在不同混交模式中的生长效应进行分析。结果表明:4种混交模式下混交树种早期生长量均优于其纯林生长量。桉树×火力楠对桉树树高促进作用最大,增量为4.94±1.57 m;桉树×火力楠×黑木相思对桉树胸径和材积促进作用最大,增量分别为2.47±0.70 cm和0.8695±0.7066 m^(3)•hm^(−2)。总体以桉树×火力楠×黑木相思混交模式最优。